Home – Recipes – Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa Recipe for Spicy BBQ and Summer Flavor
First Posted May 9, 2025 | Last Updated on May 15, 2025 by BBQ Pit Master
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Looking for a fresh, zesty, and slightly spicy condiment that can elevate your meals? The Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa Recipe is just what you need.
This vibrant salsa adds a burst of flavor to tacos, grilled meats, or even as a dip for tortilla chips. With the smoky sweetness of grilled pineapple and the kick of jalapeños, this salsa will have your taste buds dancing.
Imagine taking a bite of juicy grilled pineapple mixed with the fiery notes of fresh jalapeños, cilantro, and a splash of lime juice.
This salsa brings a delightful contrast of flavors that will impress at your next barbecue or summer gathering.
Vibrant Flavors of Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
Get ready to tantalize your taste buds with the Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa Recipe.
This salsa combines the delicious sweetness of grilled pineapple with the spicy kick of fresh jalapeños, creating a dynamic flavor profile that enhances any gathering.
The combination of smoky, sweet, and spicy elements makes this salsa a must-have for summer barbecues.
It’s not just a condiment; it’s a vibrant dish that can elevate tacos, grilled meats, or simply serve as a dip for crispy tortilla chips.
Creating the Perfect Salsa
To create this delightful Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa, the key ingredients come together in perfect harmony.
The grilled pineapple offers a caramelized sweetness, while finely chopped jalapeños introduce a zesty heat that balances the overall flavor.
Don’t forget the addition of fresh cilantro and a splash of lime juice to brighten the dish.
These ingredients together transform simple components into a refreshing salsa that captivates the senses.
Grilling Techniques for Maximum Flavor
Grilling the pineapple and jalapeños is essential for adding depth to this salsa. By caramelizing pineapple on medium-high heat, you achieve those lovely char marks that enhance its natural sweetness.
Similarly, grilling the jalapeños allows for a subtle smokiness to develop. The charred exterior adds an extra layer of flavor, resulting in a salsa that stands out at any gathering.
Preparation and Ingredients
This salsa is simple to prepare, taking only around 20 minutes from start to finish.
Just a handful of fresh ingredients is required: ripe pineapple, fresh jalapeños, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and a pinch of salt.
Once you’ve grilled your ingredients, the assembly is quick. Chop the grilled pineapple and jalapeños, mix in the onion, cilantro, and lime juice, and your salsa is ready to shine.
Serving Suggestions
Presenting your Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa is a feast for the eyes. Serve it in a vibrant bowl, garnished with lime wedges, alongside crispy tortilla chips for a visually appealing and appetizing display.
This salsa is perfect for summer gatherings, backyard barbecues, or any casual get-together. Its lively colors and fresh flavors will surely impress guests and make it a highlight of the meal.
Nutrition and Enjoyment
This delightful salsa not only packs a flavor punch but is also a healthier option, coming in at around 60 calories per serving. With fresh ingredients and minimal fat, it’s a great addition to any meal.
So, whether you’re using it as a topping for grilled meats or enjoying it straight from the bowl with chips, you’ll find that the Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa Recipe is an enjoyable and nutritious choice for any occasion.
Delicious Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa
This Grilled Pineapple Jalapeño Salsa is a refreshing and bold blend of smoky, sweet, and spicy flavors.
The grilled pineapple gives it a caramelized sweetness, balanced perfectly by the heat from jalapeños, making it a versatile addition to many dishes.
Ingredients
1 ripe pineapple, peeled, cored, and cut into rings
2-3 fresh jalapeños, stemmed and halved
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
Juice of 1 lime
Salt to taste
Instructions
Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high.
Grill the Pineapple: Place the pineapple rings on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side, until grill marks appear and the pineapple is slightly caramelized. Remove from the grill and let cool.
Grill the Jalapeños: Place the jalapeños cut side down on the grill for about 2-3 minutes, until charred. Remove from the grill and chop finely.
Combine Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the grilled pineapple (chopped into small pieces), grilled jalapeños, red onion, cilantro, lime juice, and salt. Mix well.
Serve: Enjoy immediately with your favorite dishes, or refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld.
Cook and Prep Times
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Nutrition Information
Servings: 4-6
Calories: 60kcal
Fat: 0g
Protein: 1g
Carbohydrates: 15g
Brief Background
This salsa blends the caramelized sweetness of grilled pineapple with the fiery kick of jalapeño.
Inspired by tropical and Mexican flavors, it’s a bold, smoky topping perfect for tacos, grilled meats, or summer snacking.
Grilling Tips or Variations
Use ripe pineapple: It caramelizes better and adds more natural sweetness.
Cut into thick slices: Pineapple and jalapeños should be sliced thick enough to handle the grill without falling apart.
High heat sear: Grill over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until lightly charred.
Use a grill basket: For smaller ingredients like red onion or diced peppers, a grill basket prevents pieces from falling through.
Let it cool before chopping: Grilled fruit and veggies slice more cleanly and mix better once slightly cooled.
Tasty Variations
Add avocado: Mix in diced avocado for a creamy texture and rich flavor.
Citrus boost: Squeeze in fresh lime or orange juice for extra brightness.
Heat control: Use more or fewer jalapeños—or swap in serranos or poblanos based on your spice preference.
Herb upgrade: Add chopped cilantro or mint for a fresh finish.
Make it a topping: Use as a bold topping for grilled chicken, fish tacos, burgers, or BBQ ribs.
1. What does grilling the pineapple do?
Grilling caramelizes the pineapple’s natural sugars, enhancing its sweetness and adding a smoky, charred flavor that balances perfectly with the jalapeño heat.
2. How spicy is this salsa?
It has a medium heat level. You can control the spice by using more or less jalapeño, or removing the seeds and membranes for a milder version.
3. Can I make this salsa ahead of time?
Yes, it can be made a day ahead. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge. The flavors deepen over time but it’s best served within 1–2 days.
4. What should I serve this salsa with?
It pairs well with grilled meats, tacos, fish, or as a topping for burgers. It’s also great with tortilla chips as a spicy-sweet appetizer.
5. Can I use canned pineapple instead of fresh?
Fresh is best for grilling, but in a pinch, canned pineapple rings (in juice, not syrup) can be used. Pat them dry and grill briefly for similar results.
Ryan Conlon is a BBQ enthusiast and inspired chef on a journey through the smoky, savory world of outdoor cooking. Hailing from the heart of the Midwest, Ryan’s passion for grilling ignited during his early years, where family gatherings often revolved around the sizzle of the grill and the aroma of seasoned meats.
